Source: Liverpool_Echo
NIGEL MARTYN: Everton FC need a change of gear going into pivotal month
AND so we are into the month that contains the fixture every Evertonian looks forward to more than any other during the course of a season.[LNB]But if the Merseyside derby is going to be memorable experience for all Blues, we have got to emerge from this mini-slump with all guns blazing; things are difficult at the moment and the situation is not getting easier.[LNB]David Moyes, though, will be looking at the run of fixtures we have between now and November 29 as providing the perfect opportunity to establish form and rhythm before we welcome our neighbours once more.[LNB]He will also be aware, however, that this month will ultimately dictate how the remainder of the campaign pans out - will we hover around mid-table or can we get into a groove and push those sides contesting the European places?[LNB]At this moment in time, they look miles ahead of us and there is no disputing we are struggling to show any kind of consistency - too many points have been squandered at home against sides that we usual beat.[LNB]Normally you would expect us to see off teams like Stoke and Wolves without much fuss, while you might also back an in-form Everton to see of Aston Villa but those three draws at home have been really damaging.[LNB]Hindsight might prove a draw with Villa wasn't such a bad result but it was disappointing that we conceded a goal to John Carew so soon after half-time, having done well to get in front initially. We should really have pressed home our advantage.[LNB]Of course, it is really hard being without key player such as Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar and it's a big ask for others to step in to fill such creative shoes.[LNB]However, one thing you can set your clock by is Everton's determination, even when things aren't going to plan, and it will be a case of digging in to stop the slide when we travel to Upton Park on Sunday.[LNB]West Ham have endured a troubled start to the season yet two draws against Arsenal and Sunderland has hinted that they might be about to turn the tide; Gianfranco Zola will fancy his chances of masterminding a win against Everton.[LNB]Yet David will be thinking exactly the same and who knows? A win at Upton Park might just turn out to be the key to derby success.
